Overview
When it comes to neighbourhoods that embody Melbourne's creative side, Fitzroy tops the list. Back in the 1960s, residents left in droves, chasing newly built homes taking over the suburbs. So, who moved in? The artists, the writers, the freaks and the vagabonds and, of course, the musicians. Attracted by low rents and vacant DIY spaces, this new breed of local began frequenting Fitzroy's working-class pubs while establishing venues of their own that still stand today.
Set to celebrate this legacy is High Ground — a new live music series happening throughout winter across The Night Cat, The Evelyn and the Punters Club. Taking inspiration from Fitzroy's traditional name, Ngár-go — meaning 'high ground' — the sprawling inaugural festival features a wide range of local and international names, each contributing to the festival's overarching commitment to honouring creative independence and underground culture.
Protomartyr. Credit: Supplied.
Leading the bill in 2026 is acclaimed post-punk outfit Protomartyr, Senegalese rhythmic pioneers Mark Ernestus & Ndagga Rhythm Force, Japanese audiovisual collective Violent Magic Orchestra, New York experimental group YHWH Nailgun, Naarm psychedelic-jazz favourites Mildlife and Los Angeles R&B artist Jenevieve. Plus, visitors can expect a mix of local artists, collectives, DJs and community-led programming.
While the entire series runs from May to August, the headline event takes place on Saturday, July 18, with High Ground: In Motion serving up a multi-stage musical feast across all three venues. Featuring Skeleten, Sleepazoid, XIAO XIAO, Orange Moon, No News, Rain Dogs, Horatio Luna and more, this one-night-only happening is teeming with local live music, DJs and late-night partying.
Skeleten. Credit: Supplied.
"I spend 95 percent of my time between Johnston Street and Alexander Parade, and every night already feels like a festival to me, being about to bounce between our venues, aka The Fitzroy Triangle. We wanted to bottle that feeling, that excitement of seeing all these dots connect in these spaces with different crowds and scenes coming together, all with Fitzroy as the backdrop," says Nate Farrell, CLBR Co-Founder & Managing Director.
In addition, High Ground's stacked program will include a free public gallery exhibition showcasing archival photography and memorabilia celebrating some of Fitzroy's most iconic cultural moments. There's no shortage of highlights to feature, including Muhammad Ali's 1979 visit to the Aboriginal Health Service, Keith Haring painting his nearby 1984 mural or Jeff Buckley taking over the Triple R rooftop for a surprise gig in 1996.
High Ground is presented across various dates from May–August 2026 at The Night Cat, The Evelyn Hotel and the Punters Club. Head to the website for more information.
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Top image: The Night Cat.